I’m not really a candy person most days. That doesn’t mean I avoid sweets at all. I actually have a huge sweet tooth! It’s just that a rich pound cake [1] or even a simple brownie [2] would suit me just fine. But that all changes around November and December. I save my candy overdose for the winter to balance the heaviness of the rest of the menu, especially during the holidays. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me and you’re looking for an easy recipe to make some delightful homemade Peppermint Fudge then I’m glad you’re here. Let’s get cooking!
I used to be intimidated by making my own fudge (and I’m not talking about the microwave recipes!). I thought it would be too hard or too many steps. But I’ve given it a whirl and learned a few things that will hopefully help you, too!
Best Tips for Making Homemade Fudge!
- Don’t color outside the lines. Candy is a science. Measure ingredients exactly and follow the directions.
- Get an inexpensive candy thermometer. We love this one and it’s so cheap [3]. Yes, it’s necessary to make sure you get the right consistency and texture.
- Check your thermometer before each use. Mine have been known to go wonky banging around in a drawer so make sure that it reads 212 degrees in boiling water before trusting that thing with your chocolatiering adventure.
- Use chocolate with a higher percentage of cacao for a more distinctive taste. Here’s the chocolate [4] we used in our batch and it has 62% cacao. The price here [4] is better than my local gourmet grocery store!
Fudge is a very good candy to make if you’re new to candy-making so don’t be intimidated. Just follow these tips and have fun!
What’s the key to delightful fudge every single time?
Marshmallow fluff.
Yes, I use this stuff. Yes, this is the only time all year long I buy this stuff. It’s a treat and I think it’s okay in moderation.
Marshmallow creme (also called fluff) is pretty irreplaceable for EASY fudge. Now feel free to whip up a batch of traditional fudge and send me a sample (or a pound), but the marshmallow fluff is the key to my easy recipe and I’m almost positive that you’re going to love it! (Get some fluff here if your store can’t keep it in stock! [5])
Best of all, Peppermint Fudge is a SUPER EASY way to introduce your friends to essential oils. We used Peppermint Vitality in our recipe for a fresh and bright zip. It’s a very traditional holiday flavor and easy for your friends to see that they can fall in love with essential oils just like you have.
You could make the fudge and give out Peppermint essential oil samples along with a recipe card to teachers, pastors, and your favorite neighbors! (Nobody can say no to chocolate!)
Here are the other supplies you’ll want to grab if you’re making this fudge as gifts.
Sprinkles [6]
They’re actually called Jimmies. Isn’t that a weird name? I use these on top because fudge doesn’t always look perfectly creamy like in the magazines. So these babies cover the top and give it an interesting texture so people just look past the imperfections and dig in.
Cookie Cutters [7]
These tiny cutters were perfect in every way. Easy to use and I love the Christmas shapes. The size is a great portion and they fit PERFECTLY in our gift boxes.
I’ve mentioned how easy this whole gift process is. Well, these beautiful boxes [9] are easy to fold together and they come with perfectly matched white, pre-cut ribbon. YES! I am winning at simple gifts this year!
Small baking cups [10]
That’s what I use to line the bottom of the gift boxes and they’re really inexpensive and a nice finishing touch.
Now that you’ve got all your supplies, let’s make some candy!
New to essential oils? Learn more about how we use them and why you should use them as well. [11]
Ingredients
- 5 ounce can evaporated milk (not sweetened condensed milk)
- 12 tablespoons butter (3/4 cup)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 12 ounces semi-sweet chocolate
- 7 ounce jar marshmallow creme [15]
- 10 drops Peppermint Vitality essential oil
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13 pan with parchment paper.
- Place the evaporated milk, butter, and sugar into a heavy bottom saucepan over medium hit. Stir continually and bring it to a full rolling boil.
- Continue to stir continuously and allow to boil until the candy thermometer reads 234 degrees (around 4 minutes).
- Remove your pan from the heat.
- Stir in the chocolate and marshmallow creme until it's completely combined.
- Add Peppermint Vitality essential oil and stir. Pour the fudge into your prepared pan.
- Cool completely.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into 1 inch squares.